Brentford fear heavy cost if they go down

The price of exiting the Premiership's promised land may be difficult to bear, as Leeds are now discovering, but relegation can be just as painful lower down the football pyramid.

If Brentford tumble out of the Second Division tomorrow, the consequences will be dire for a club that relies on the generosity of their supporters to survive.

A season in Division Three will cost the Bees at least £300,000 in gate receipts, television money and sponsorship.

The figure would be higher had the Football League not introduced a £50,000 parachute payment for relegated teams.

Brentford can ill-afford any cut in income given debts of £7million and interest repayments of £250,000 a year.

Victory at home against Bournemouth will guarantee survival. If not, the club will be relying on poor results from two of Rushden, Chesterfield or Grimsby.

The point is not lost on their players, several of whom will play through the pain of ongoing injuries.

Manager Martin Allen said: "It is a massive game in the club's history. It offers so many motivational positives for the players. Staying in the Second Division gives them a much better opportunity of playing at a higher level."

Brentford were bailed out of a financial crisis two years ago when supporters' trust Bees United raised enough cash to keep the club out of administration without the need to sell Griffin Park.

Bees United aim to keep the club in business to realise the dream of a new stadium at Kew Bridge. Relegation, however, would be a major setback.

Captain Michael Dobson is available after recovering from a back injury.